Five reasons why CH fans can get upset about Cole Caufield in 2023/24.
Now it’s done: Cole Caufield has secured his future at Montreal by signing a fabulous eight-year, $62.8 million contract, much to the delight of Canadiens fans, relieved that the words “potentially hostile offer” have been removed from that filing . But who, above all will continue to appreciate a man who is already very popular here.
Despite playing just 123 regular-season games and 20 more in the playoffs, the young American made a lasting impression on the minds of many Quebec hockey fans. For many, the prospect of seeing Caufield and Nick Suzuki skate at Bell Center for years is as alluring as a Big Mac in a commercial starring one of the team’s players. And there’s even more danger that he’ll follow in the footsteps of “hated” forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who accepted a hostile offer from the Carolina Hurricanes in August 2021, an offer the Canadian didn’t agree to.
• Also read: Cole Caufield: It’s settled!
• Also read: Here are the biggest deals the Canadian has placed
Les Glorieux may not be having an appetizing 2023-2024 season, but their loyal fans are looking forward to enjoying Caufield’s presence and here are five reasons that should spark their enthusiasm.
– Success everywhere
When the Canadian picked the Wisconsin hockey player 15th in the 2019 amateur draft, it’s not for nothing. In the college rankings, he netted for the Badgers, his home state’s club. His Big Ten Association Rookie of the Year and Hobey-Baker Trophy (2021) are just a few artifacts from his accolade collection. And his debut as a pro was equally brilliant, scoring three goals in two games with the Laval Rocket in Spring 2021 before ending up in Montreal where his 12 playoff points helped the CH advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.
– A business card for young people
At 22 and with a smile on his face that’s practically permanent, Caufield has everything to please the fairer sex and all fans under 25. Young people can easily identify with an athlete who should be a role model for them. A company like the McDonald’s restaurant chain has understood this well by featuring the player in specific advertisements to reach their target audience. If he continues to find success on the ice while maintaining his infectious good humor, he will be even more visible on TV and the internet.
– A potentially devastating duo
Symbolizing their team’s future on offense, Caufield and Suzuki have started the spark together. Many still think of their relegation to two for zero in overtime in Game 5 of the first round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021. Within the same line and/or key power play unit, they have the potential to damage the enemy. The winger certainly hasn’t scored enough goals from the face-off circle yet, despite having one man left.
– Return to health
The pessimists can dress: Caufield has forgotten his right shoulder problems and is happy. He was in action last season and wanted to take every opportunity to start the next season on time. It was certainly easier for some when they saw a photo that the headmaster concerned had published about two weeks ago. In one story, we could see him at work playing pickleball, a sign that doctors were allowing him to engage in physical activity.
– Top Scorer
Caufield played his last game on January 19, scoring a team-best 26 goals. However, by the end of the regular schedule, 36 games later, he was still at the top, even though Suzuki had scored two goals in his last two games. While the most negative point out that this says a lot about the formation’s mediocrity, the most positive will prefer to remember the six two-goal games and 158 shots on target. With similar speed and health, the winger could have become the first Canadian player to score 50 goals since Stéphane Richer in 1989–1990.